Life style
From small boy to author: a Thomian’s oddysey
by Uditha Devapriya
“Farren the Wanderer”, written by Sachintha Pilapitiya and published by Neptune Publications, hit the shelves at the Book Fair on September 19
At S. Thomas’ Prep Kollupitiya, Sachintha Pilapitiya had trouble speaking in English. The problem hadn’t been his articulation or pronunciation; it had been his grammar. “Every time I opened my mouth,” he remembers, “I knew I’d trip somewhere.”
Ordinarily this would have discomfited someone, draining his or her confidence, preventing him or her from talking ever again. For Sachintha, though, the way forward seemed clear. “I resolved to speak no matter how many mistakes I made.” Having wound up as Head Prefect, he knew he had to brush up quickly. “I invariably had to speak at official functions, especially at the Assembly. So I’d go through the speeches I had written many times before I walked to the podium and delivered them.” For a while, he says, it worked.
But such a solution couldn’t last forever, and Sachintha knew that only too well. So when two of his friends – twins and batch mates – “introduced” him to the Prep School Library, he was thrilled. They would have been in Grade Three or Four then. “We discovered Enid Blyton: Famous Five, Secret Seven, and so on.”
From there they graduated to Hardy Boys, “though we didn’t move on to Nancy Drew.” When in Grade 10, he was indulging in Dan Brown, and when he offered English Literature for his O Levels, his tastes had considerably widened. By then he was poring over “serious” writers: Dickens, the Bronte sisters, and of course Shakespeare.
The Local O Level English Language paper lasts three hours, but can be completed in less than 30 minutes. At a term test Sachintha had written it in 10. That left well more than two hours to do anything he wanted in the classroom. So he reflected on the books he had read, the speeches he had made, and wrote down a story. The story was about an adventurer, an explorer, or as its author put it, a “wanderer.” It incorporated the genres he’d grown up on and grown up with, especially fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure. “I finished the basic structure in two hours. When I came back to it, I fleshed it out even more.”
That was years later. By then he had completed his A Levels, finished school, and entered university. Having added other characters and subplots, he felt ready to publish it. Through an uncle, Chamikara Pilapitiya, he met a publisher, and did just that.
Farren the Wanderer hit the Book Fair at the BMICH on September 19. While I have read the book, pored over its illustrations, and let it take back me back to a childhood spent dreaming of fantastic beasts, unrelenting explorers, charming princes, and beautiful princesses, I am less interested in its story, and how it will captivate young readers, than I am in its author, and how he grew up.
Sachintha Pilapitiya was born in Kelaniya in 2000. His father had found employment in the medical industry, while his mother worked in the IT Department at Brandix; after his sister was born two years later, she quit her job to look after them.
His parents fuelled his love for writing. From an early age his mother would tell him bedtime stories: of beasts, explorers, princes, and princesses. His father, a more practical and hands-down person, would take him and his sister out exploring, “from the north to the south and virtually everywhere in-between.” This soon brought him into contact with the immense diversity and richness of the land of his birth, a theme he has woven into all his written work thereafter. “My father put wanderlust in my blood. My mother, on the other hand, instilled a love for imagining things, for writing them down, in me.”
All that had been long, long before his education began. His first school, S. Thomas’ Prep, had contained a close-knit community, where, he remembers, differences of race and faith just melted away. “Even today, I can remember the names of almost everyone three years my junior there, and practically all the teachers and staff.”
A whole flurry of extra- and co-curricular activities, of sports and clubs, followed. In Grade Three he joined the school rugby team, and in Grade Eight he joined cadetting, two activities at which his father had excelled. While indulging in these, he straddled other pursuits as well: Cub Scouting until Grade Five, Badminton from Grade Six (winding up as the Captain), and the Interact Club from Grade Eight. Of these Cadetting had occupied him the most, and he climbed up to the post of Cadet Sergeant.
School concerts had also taken up his time. “I was always a girl: Goldilocks, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, you name it,” he chortles. (I tell him that he could have fared worse; after all some of us were flowers, trees, and bushes!) “I pursued Kandyan dancing and underwent an ada ves ceremony, short of a complete ves mangalya. Given my deficiency in grammar, I began attending St Theresa’s School of Speech and Drama in Kelaniya as well.
For his O Levels, Sachintha had offered English Literature. “Not that the books we did were that interesting, though they were – R. K. Narayan’s The Vendor of Sweets, plus an anthology of poems – but I personally found the stories I discovered at the library much more fascinating.” Nevertheless he came to like his subjects, and having passed them secured a placement at S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia.
Sachintha entered S. Thomas’ Mount in 2017. At first, he didn’t see any difference. “It was the College version of Prep, or so I thought.” Later, however, those differences came to light, especially after his parents boarded him at the College hostel. “At Prep we had been a tight and close community: everyone knew everyone else. Here, on the other hand, it was difficult to establish contact with everyone you met.” This issue had been heightened by his parents’ decision to enrol him at the hostel, “a necessity, given that otherwise I’d have to travel to and from Kelaniya every day.”
One of the most frequent themes that run through Farren the Wanderer is the importance of understanding other communities. This came to Sachintha in his hostel years, particularly due to the people he befriended there. According to Sachintha, most of them were even less equipped with English than him. That had underlined a more glaring division: not just of language, but also of class.
“Most of those in the hostel hailed from far-off places, and nearly all of them had attended S. Thomas’ Gurutalawa or Bandarawela. They were encountering English for the first time here, in Mount. The first few days at the boarding became hard to adjust to. Once I got to befriend them well, they taught me about life. In turn I taught them English. I believe, and I hope, that I succeeded, because it was my way of repaying my debt to them.”
The crowning moment of these encounters had been an Inter-House Drama Competition in 2018. Accordingly, the boarding students who belonged to Sachintha’s House – Sachintha being the House Captain – had to jump over their linguistic handicap, since they were competing against ordinary College students “all or most of whom hailed from English speaking backgrounds and could muster only broken Sinhala.” The odds were not in their favour, clearly; everything seemed to favour their competitors.
And yet, they emerged runners-up. That had shocked everyone. For a while thereafter, the feeling persisted that, somehow, the “bounders” had triumphed.
Sachintha found the experience refreshing. “It showed not only that we could prevail, but also that we could rebel against the stereotype of us being rasthiyadukarayo, which is how many ordinary students viewed those boarded at College.” Along the way, he managed to seal his friendships with them. “Even now, I know that if I call them up, they’ll be with me and by my side. They may have been demeaned as loafers, but I know that they are much, much more sincere than those who demean them.”
I feel I’ve written too much. I’ll conclude by mentioning that Sachintha offered an unusual combination for his A Levels – Combined Maths, Literature, and Economics – and topped them so well that New York University Abu Dhabi offered him a scholarship. He plans to leave the next year, in January or February, and “to carry forward my wanderlust.” He could have added, though he didn’t, that he’ll continue to write there, as he has here: while majoring in Economics and Legal Studies, he plans to minor in Creative Writing. In those two paths, no doubt, lies the key to his future.
The writer can be reached at udakdev1@gmail.com
By Zanita Careem
As the days come closer and a cold air filled the air, Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort began its festive celebrations with its annual tree lighting event. This enchanting evening marked the beginning of the joyous season. The centrepiece of the evening – a magnificent white Christmas tree standing tall as a beacon of joy. This year, the hotel embraced a sustainable approach turning the festive occasion into a celebration of eco- consciousness and community spirit. As the most global brand within the Mariott Bonvoy portfolio, Sheraton has always stood for community and played a special role in serving people
In keeping with this philosphy, Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort unveiled its unique Christmas tree, crafted entirely from tea branches sourced from the Puwakdola Estate in Pinikahana, Elpitiya. This initiative celebrates the festive spirit while underscoring the resort’s commitment to sustainability and community collaboration.
Nestled in the Southern Galle District, the Puwakdola Estate spans ten acres, with eight acres dedicated to the cultivation of the unique tea variety, 20/23. This year, branches from an acre of the estate were pruned, cleaned, painted, and transformed into a stunning Christmas centre piece by thier dedicated staff.
This project exemplifies Sheraton Kosgoda’s philosophy of fostering community partnerships and responsible resource use. The tree stands as a testament to how sustainability and festive celebrations can harmoniously coexist, bringing joy to guests while supporting local agriculture and artisans.
Front Office Manager Sahan Thabrew, Executive Chef Ramesh Kularutnam, General Manager Mano Gunasekara, Director Salesand Marketing Imran Noordeen and Director Foodand Beverages Seemon Manimel
This year the unique tree created from tea branches stood as a symbol of Sheraton’s Kosgoda’s commitment to sustainability Sheraton Kosgoda General Manager said. This year resort’s Christmas tree is a testament to the hotel’s philosophy of giving back, by utilising local resources responsibility, supporting and fostering partnerships that empower communities is a trailblazer in reducing environment impact extending from design and amenities to its tasty cuisine.
As dusk approached, the twnkling lights o f the tree illuminated the lobby casting a warm glow and creating a spectacular winter wonderland. The guests were welcomed with the harmonious melodies of Chro Calibre performing classic carols, setting a magical tone for the evening. GM shared his thoughts “Our Christmas is not just about ushering. This towering Christmas tree curated by the hotel staff stood as a symbol of Sheraton Kosgoda’s commitment to sustainability.” As evening fell, the crowd gathered at the lobby to soak in the festive cheer and feel the magic of the season..
General Manager Mano Gunasekara
Majestic white Christmas tree crafted by the staff
Festive Dining and Entertainment
Lavish Christmas Buffet: Indulge in an extraordinary culinary journey featuring an extensive Christmas buffet with traditional favourites and innovative creations by our Executive Chef Ramesh Kularutnam and his team. Savour the essence of the season with dishes prepared from the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. The evening will be set to the enchanting tunes of the ECHO Live Band, ensuring a festive atmosphere by the poolside under the starry night sky from 7pm onwards.
Christmas Day Brunch: Celebrate Christmas Day with a delightful brunch at S-Kitchen, where an array of international and Sri Lankan dishes awaits you. From hearty breakfast favourite to gourmet mains and decadent desserts, the brunch is designed to bring families and friends together for a joyous holiday feast. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of S-Kitchen and create cherished memories as you relish the festive offerings.
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner: Bid farewell to 2024 in grand style at our New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Treat yourself to an opulent buffet featuring an eclectic mix of cuisines, including gourmet delicacies, live cooking stations, and indulgent desserts. As the clock counts down to midnight, enjoy exhilarating performances by live DJs and dynamic dance acts. Cap off the night with a breathtaking fireworks display, illuminating the sky to mark the beginning of a bright and prosperous 2025.
As part of the celebrations, there will be a party for children of the hotel staff with a festive programme of music,food,games and other forms of entertainment
Celebrate the season with Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort, where thoughtful sustainability, vibrant celebrations, and unmatched hospitality come together to create magical memories said Demi Hewa Marketing and Communication Manager.
Colombo, December 5 Cinnamon Colombo Hotels officially welcomed the festive season with a trio of spectacular Christmas lighting ceremonies across Cinnamon Lakeside Cinnamon Red , and Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Each event was a unique celebration of tradition, innovation, and holiday cheer, drawing guests and the local community into the warmth and magic of the season.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo: A Waterfront Wonderland
On November 29th, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo hosted its highly anticipated Christmas tree lighting ceremony, marking the start of the holiday season with grandeur and joy. The annual event, a cherished tradition at the waterfront hotel, brought together guests and the community for a memorable evening of lights, music, and festive cheer.
The evening’s centerpiece was the lighting of the majestic Christmas tree, a symbolic moment that illuminated the hotel in a spectacular array of colors. As the tree came alive, the front façade of the hotel was bathed in a warm, elegant glow, enhancing the festive ambiance. Guests were captivated by the dazzling display, with the joy and awe of the crowd echoing throughout the venue.
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- Santa arriving from roof top,Cinnamon Lakeside
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- General Manager, Cinnamon Grand and Kamal Munasinghe and GM,Cinnamon Lakeside, Nazoomi Azhar
Adding to the enchantment, the junior choir from the British School in Colombo delivered a heartwarming performance of classic carols. Dressed in festive attire, the young singers created an atmosphere that resonated across generations, their harmonies a perfect complement to the evening’s celebrations.
The hotel’s décor masterfully blended traditional Christmas elements with contemporary word art, creating a visually stunning environment. This fusion of classic and modern styles transformed the space into an Instagram-worthy haven that appealed to all ages.
A highlight for families was the Goodies Counter inspired by European Christmas markets. This charming wooden stall, brimming with festive treats like gingerbread cookies, mince pies, and handcrafted chocolates, became a favorite destination, especially for children.
Under the guidance of General Manager of Cinnamon Lakeside Nazoomi Azhar, the event brought together tradition, elegance, and community spirit. The Christmas lighting ceremony at Cinnamon Lakeside not only celebrated the season but also created a shared moment of magic and joy that guests will cherish for years to come.
Towering Christmas tree
Cinnamon Red Colombo: A Sky-high celebration
On the same evening, Cinnamon Red added a bold, urban twist to its Christmas celebration. The highlight of the night was Santa Claus’s dramatic descent from the 26th floor of the hotel, thrilling guests with an unforgettable entrance high above Colombo’s skyline.
And there, waiting at the base, was none other than his jolly counterpart, Mrs. Claus, adding her charm to the celebration. Together, they turned the wet and cloudy November evening into an unforgettable urban Christmas tale, delighting everyone with their festive cheer and warm smiles.
The General Manager of Cinnamon Red Colombo, Terrence Fernando unveiled a dazzling 20-foot Christmas tree at the hotel’s entrance canopy, using a swipe of his iPad to light up the tree and the building in a cascade of vibrant colors. Guests indulged in homemade mince pies, mulled wine, and sweet cashews, enjoying a cozy and contemporary take on Christmas traditions.
As Cinnamon Red celebrated its 10th year of redefining Colombo’s skyline, the event epitomized its spirit of creativity and boldness, proving once again that urban Christmases can be both modern and magical.
Cinnamon Grand Colombo: A grand celebration
Cinnamon Grand Colombo hosted its enchanting Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on December 2nd, transforming the hotel lobby into a magical winter wonderland. The arrival of Santa and Santarina on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle set an exciting tone for the evening, blending modern flair with festive tradition.
The highlight of the evening was the moment the grand Christmas tree lit up, accompanied by a magical snowfall that began to cascade gently from above. Guests were captivated as the lobby was filled with the enchanting sight of snow falling, creating a truly mesmerizing and festive atmosphere. The event drew a large crowd to the hotel lobby, with families, couples, and friends gathered to witness the grand celebration. Guests enjoyed an array of eight delightful cold snacks as the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the tree lighting moment.
The General Manager of Cinnamon Grand and the Area Vice President of Cinnamon Colombo Hotels, Kamal Munasinghe took center stage, holding the remote to illuminate the majestic Christmas tree. As the lights sparkled to life, accompanied by a live performance from Soundarie David’s Junior Choir singing beloved Christmas carols, the lobby resonated with festive cheer and joy.
Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was a heartwarming celebration that brought the community together, creating memories that will be cherished long after the holiday season. The event’s blend of tradition, innovation, and festive spirit underscored the hotel’s commitment to making the season magical for all who visit.
A Season to Remember
From waterfront splendor to sky-high spectacles and grand festive elegance, the Christmas lighting ceremonies at Cinnamon Colombo Hotels reflected the unique character of each property. As the lights sparkled and the carols resonated, the celebrations served as a reminder of the joy of togetherness and the spirit of giving. With these memorable events, Cinnamon Colombo Hotels have set the stage for a festive season filled with magic, tradition, and community.
Celebrate the dawn of 2025 in true Parisian flair as Mount Lavinia Hotel hosts “Moulin Rouge – Une Nuit à Paris”, a glamorous New Year’s Eve dinner dance set against the enchanting backdrop of the hotel’s iconic terrace. Known for crafting unique, unforgettable experiences, Mount Lavinia Hotel invites guests to revel in an evening of elegance, indulgence, and celebration that promises to be unlike any other in the city.
Unparalleled Fireworks Display
This year’s celebration comes with a breathtaking 30-minute fireworks display, offering guests an unparalleled view of the midnight spectacle from the terrace. As the sky comes alive with dazzling colors, guests will welcome the New Year in a setting of true Parisian romance and grandeur.
An exquisite Parisian feast
The evening begins with a welcome cocktail at the hotel’s charming courtyard, accompanied by the soulful melodies of live French jazz. Guests will then enjoy a grand dinner and dessert buffet, featuring Parisian-inspired culinary delights and ending with a special midnight breakfast, ensuring the festivities continue into the early hours of 2025.
For those booking tables of 10, enjoy a complimentary bottle of premium imported beverage complete with chasers and a selection of bites, ensuring your celebration is truly elevated.
Entertainment Like Never Before
The event will feature high-energy performances by Can-Can dancers, live music by the renowned band X-IT featuring Kevin Almeida, and DJ Kosala to keep the party alive all night long. Combining vibrant music and dazzling performances, Mount Lavinia Hotel promises to transport guests straight to the streets of Paris.
Mount Lavinia Hotel – Pioneers of Memorable and unique celebrations
Building on the success of last year’s “A Night in Copacabana,” this year’s “Moulin Rouge – Une Nuit à Paris” reaffirms Mount Lavinia Hotel’s reputation as Colombo’s premier destination for iconic celebrations.
The hotel is committed to creating unforgettable moments for our guests, and this New Year’s Eve, we’re bringing the magic of Paris to Colombo. From spectacular fireworks to exquisite cuisine and world-class entertainment, the hotel promises an evening you’ll cherish forever,” said Anura Dewapura, Chief Operating Officer of Mount Lavinia Hotel.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the allure of Paris at Mount Lavinia Hotel. Reserve your tickets today and get ready to toast to a spectacular New Year in unparalleled style!
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